Smokey Robinson Dazzles Caesars Windsor with Timeless Motown Magic

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Smokey Robinson glided onto the stage at Caesars Windsor on March 27, 2025, with the effortless grace of a man who has spent a lifetime serenading audiences. Opening with Being With You, he reminded the packed Colosseum why his music has been a constant companion through decades of love stories and heartbreaks. At 85, Robinson didn’t just perform—he embodied the timeless allure of Motown, delivering each lyric with the smoothness and sincerity that have defined his career.

Dressed in a sleek dark suit with a pink tie that popped under the stage lights, Robinson looked every bit the polished showman. His energy was infectious as he moved across the stage, arms outstretched in a gesture that seemed to embrace every corner of the room. The vibrant backdrop, emblazoned with his name in bold letters, set the scene for an evening steeped in nostalgia and soul.

 

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his storied career, beginning with classics like I Second That Emotion and You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me. These tracks, staples of his time with The Miracles, had the audience swaying in their seats and singing along. Robinson’s voice—still rich and emotive—carried these songs as effortlessly as it did decades ago.

A particularly moving moment came with Quiet Storm, where Robinson’s delivery was as tender as ever. As he crooned this iconic track, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it was clear that he remains deeply connected to the music that shaped an entire genre. The audience responded with hushed reverence, savoring every note.

The energy shifted into high gear when Smokey launched into a medley of Temptations hits: The Way You Do the Things You Do, Get Ready, and My Girl. His playful interaction with the crowd during this segment showcased his enduring charisma. It was a reminder that while Smokey may be synonymous with romance, he also knows how to bring infectious joy to a room.

New material from his latest album added a fresh dimension to the evening. Gasms introduced a sultry groove that fit seamlessly alongside classics like Ooo Baby Baby. Robinson’s ability to blend contemporary themes with his signature sound is a testament to his versatility and relevance as an artist.

In a delightful departure from his usual repertoire, Robinson performed Fly Me to the Moon, paying homage to Frank Sinatra. His rendition was heartfelt and smooth, bringing his own soulful touch to the jazz standard. This unexpected moment highlighted Smokey’s ability to transcend genres while staying true to his roots.

The audience erupted with applause for The Tears of a Clown, where Robinson’s playful side took center stage once again. Dancing across the stage under dazzling lights, he brought an infectious energy that had everyone on their feet.

As the evening progressed, Smokey introduced newer tracks like How You Make Me Feel and I Wanna Know Your Body. These songs showcased not only his enduring creativity but also his commitment to infusing modern elements into his timeless sound.

The emotional high point came with Just to See Her and The Tracks of My Tears. These ballads carried an emotional weight that resonated deeply with fans who have followed him for decades. Robinson’s voice soared, filling every corner of The Colosseum with raw emotion.

For the finale, Smokey brought everyone together with Cruisin’. The entire venue became one big singalong as fans swayed arm-in-arm, their voices blending harmoniously with Smokey’s own. An encore performance of Be Thankful for What You Got left the audience uplifted and reflective—a fitting end to an unforgettable night.

Smokey Robinson’s performance at Caesars Windsor wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience—a celebration of love, life, and music from one of Motown’s most enduring icons. From his impeccable vocals to his magnetic stage presence, Robinson proved that age is no barrier when passion and talent are timeless.

Setlist:

  • Being With You
  • I Second That Emotion (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles cover)
  • You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me (The Miracles song)
  • Quiet Storm
  • The Way You Do the Things You Do / Get Ready / My Girl (The Temptations cover)
  • Gasms
  • Ooo Baby Baby (The Miracles song)
  • I Love Your Face
  • Fly Me to the Moon (Frank Sinatra cover)
  • The Tears of a Clown (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles cover)
  • How You Make Me Feel
  • I Wanna Know Your Body
  • Just to See Her
  • The Tracks of My Tears (The Miracles song)
  • Cruisin’
  • Be Thankful for What You Got

All photos by Dan Savoie

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About Dan Savoie 923 Articles
Dan's been rockin' the journalism scene from coast to coast, scribbling for Canadian papers and jamming with iconic mags like Rolling Stone and Metal Hammer. He's racked up chats with a who's-who of rock royalty, from KISS to Metallica. Yeah, he's living the dream, one interview at a time.